1) How is Specific Chiropractic different
than what I am used to receiving from other offices?

Ans: Specific Chiropractic is the
traditional method of Chiropractic care emphasizing precise correction of the
spine. Technical analysis of your nervous system and spine include a
physical exam, a chiropractic exam, a postural evaluation, x-ray exam, surface
EMG, Dual Inclinometry ROM study and a Computerized Paraspinal Thermography
exam. Based upon these findings, adjustments to INDIVIDUAL segments of
your spine are given to reduce the direction of misalignment and most
importantly, to reduce the pressure on the nervous system. Other types of
chiropractic care utilize gross, twisting manipulations to general areas of the
spine with no emphasis on the nervous system and usually with no technical
evaluation or x-rays. The purpose of this other type of
"treatment" is to un-stick stuck joints rather than to remove nerve
irritation and enhance overall function, health and well being.

2)
Why does it take so long to get a new patient appointment in your office?

Ans:
Doctor La Barbera has been in practice in Utica at the same location since
1986. His practice is focused on prevention, wellness and
corrective chiropractic care. Most patients, once they begin care, stay
with him indefinitely to keep themselves and family members as
healthy as possible. He purposefully limits the number of new patients
accepted into the office in order to accommodate those practice members that are
already established. Therefore, if you are committed
to starting care, you are expected to follow through with his
recommendations. If you are only looking for a quick fix, relief of your
current symptoms or just want to "try" chiropractic, it is recommended
that you do not begin care with this office. It would be a waste of
time and money as well as the doctors time to prepare a care plan for anyone
that does not follow through. We only accept cases that understand
the commitment they need to make to themselves.

3) How long will my first visit last?

Ans: Upon entering the office, you will
have to fill out paperwork including personal information as well as a complete
health history. Most patients finish this in about 15 minutes. A
staff member will review your information and have you sign all of the necessary
forms. Your time with the doctor will be at least a total of 45 minutes. Necessary x-rays may take an additional 20 minutes.
Overall, plan on at least 90 minutes to 2 hours in our office. You may download the
entrance forms by clicking on the above link labeled "New Patient
Forms". By filling these out at home, you not only save time in the
office, but we find that they are usually completed with more detail.

4) I am concerned about radiation exposure,
do I really need x-rays?

Ans: X-Ray evaluation is an integral part
of our specific assessment. Aside from giving us the information we need
to specifically correct your spinal subluxations, we frequently discover
underlying health issues and concerns that may warrant a change in our approach
or the need for outside cooperative care with a medical provider. In
January, 2009, we updated our already high speed system with a state of the art
high frequency generator and improved x-ray tube. In September, 2010 we
upgraded our complete system to a digital x-ray system. What all this means is
that we have the ability to take x-rays with a reduced amount of time AND
radiation over traditional systems saving you exposure while providing us with
high quality images. NOTE: We do not x-ray pregnant patients until
after delivery of the child. We also do not x-ray infants and young
children unless there has been a severe trauma or a suspected congenital anomaly
is present. As a result, we use a different method of care until we have
access to the appropriate images.

5) What insurance companies does the office
participate with?

Ans: Currently, we are participating
providers with Excellus (Blue Cross / Blue Shield) which includes RMSCO and
Univera. We are a non-participating provider for Medicare. This
means that you will have to pay for our services when rendered and Medicare will
reimburse you directly the amount (if any) that they feel is allowed per law.

6) Why does my insurance only cover part of
my care?

Ans: Each contact of insurance that is
between the patient and the insurance company can vary greatly. You should
know your coverage prior to starting care. We will not compromise YOUR
health or OUR reputation by making recommendations based on your insurance
coverage. Optimal care plans will be presented on your second visit once
your information has been reviewed. Remember that most, if not all,
insurance does not cover "Wellness", "Preventative" or
"Corrective" type health care of any kind other than a yearly physical
or well care baby exams. While your initial few months of care may be
covered, once your spine has stabilized and what is considered to be "non-therapeutic"
in nature, further visits will become your responsibility unless you report a
new injury or event. We work with all of our practice members to help afford
necessary care within their payment budgets.

7) Is chiropractic care safe? I hear
stories of people being paralyzed and having strokes.

Ans: Chiropractic is the largest natural
health care system in the world and is the 3rd largest health care system in the
USA behind Medical Care and Dentistry. Our safety record speaks for
itself. Proof of that is our extremely low malpractice insurance
rates. Certainly if we were hurting people it would be well published by
reputable sources. While nothing we partake in during this life is without
any risk, the chances of an injury with specific chiropractic care is so low
that it is less than 1 in a million. Consider the fact that some 30,000
people in the US alone die every year from taking aspirin. Also consider
the fact that the US Medical system is the 3rd leading cause of preventible death in this
country. Some authors go as far to say that it is number 1. So is
chiropractic care safe for patients of ALL ages? Absolutely YES!

8) What is that popping sound I hear during
an adjustment?

Ans: While most of the adjustments we give
do not produce a popping sound, the jury is still out on what causes the
sound. Some have reported that it is Nitrogen gas being released from the
joint. Others have attributed it to a vacuum affect similar to pulling a
cork out of a bottle.

9) Do I need a referral to see a Doctor of
Chiropractic?

Ans:
The answer is no. Chiropractors are considered primary care providers and
as such do not need a referral from your

Medical
provider. Exceptions are if your insurance plan requires a referral to ANY
specialist. In this case, we fit under that

umbrella
and a referral is necessary for your insurance coverage, but not necessarily to
see a DC.

10) What does Chiropractic Cure?

Ans: NOTHING!! Chiropractic does not
add to or subtract from the body. We remove pressure from the nervous
system (the master control system of the body) to allow it to function to its
optimum level of health so the body as a whole can work better. Please
click the RESULTS link at the top of this page.